Speaking to Digital Spy and other media at an Emmerdale press day, Charlotte – who plays Sandy's daughter-in-law Laurel – explained: "It was really sad to see Freddie go, but I knew it was probably coming because he's turned 90. He's an extraordinary force in the show and we've been so, so lucky to have him.

"But he did live in Oxford and he was travelling three or four hours to come to the set. He stayed at rooms while he was up here filming, so it was really hard for him.

"Freddie never, ever complained. But with the cables on set and everything else, if he falls, it's a major fall.

"But I know that he desperately misses it here and we desperately miss him too. He adds such richness and texture to the show, that you can't replace. We were really lucky to have him."

Charlotte also shared details of Freddie's real-life send-off, revealing that the Emmerdale team surprised him with a party on his last day.

She said: "Normally if it's your last scene, everyone knows and the producer comes on set, but Freddie didn't want a fuss. But we had a surprise tea party on The Woolpack set.

"At first, Freddie finished his last scene and everyone just went off. He was told someone on The Woolpack set wanted him to sign something. Everyone was waiting there – there were balloons and pictures of him from past scenes.

"Freddie was so surprised. We cried and then he recited this poem that was two pages long! It was so moving."